Denis Island in Seychelles offers excellent nature walks; as well as the facilities of tennis, diving, windsurfing, canoeing, and of course; sunbathing on its gleaming white beaches. It is the perfect honeymoon or holiday getaway offering seclusion in comfort and excellent gourmet cuisine.
Denis Island lies 95km north of Mahé, and 45km from Bird Island; therefore it is one of the most northerly of all the Seychelles‘ Islands. It is a short half an hour flight from Mahé.
Like many Seychelles islands; Denis Island was a coconut plantation. Residents also engaged in collecting guano (decomposed bird droppings), producing copra (refined coconut flesh), and; of course; fishing.
The island slowly reveals its riches and mysteries; from its 100-year-old lighthouse warning passing ships against hazardous shoals and reefs; to the remnants of a mysterious cemetery for which no known records exist.
If you can bear to tear yourself completely away from the modern world; then Denis Island is a perfect choice for your digital detox holiday. A completely private coral islet of 375 acres that strives for self-sustainability. It is nature’s paradise. It is perfect for weddings (there is even a chapel on the island) and families; with the possibility to book out the entire island for total privacy.
Denis Island activities
The translocation of some of Seychelles’ rarest endemic birds has been one of Denis’ most important environmental achievements; paving the way for some of these species to improve their standings on the IUCN Globally Threatened Birds list. As a result; Denis is the only place in the world; in which a morning’s walk can bring you across the Seychelles fody, magpie robin, paradise flycatcher, and the Seychelles warbler.
The Hawksbill and green turtles lay their eggs on the protected shoreline of Denis Island. They are monitored and tagged; in order to provide valuable information to assist in the protection of the species. Extensive research into the ecosystem of the island’s reef flats; essential nursery and feeding grounds for fish and green turtles; and the Seychelles government designating official protected status for the waters surrounding Denis; have been instrumental in preserving the island’s marine environment; just the way nature intended.
The restoration of native forest habitats, rearing of giant land tortoises, and a fledgling seabird colony; are just a few of the many other conservation projects currently happening on the island.
With the ocean depths close by; the island justly deserves its reputation for excellent diving and also as a game fisherman’s paradise. Deep-sea fishing expeditions on the nearby edge of Seychelles’ bank; where marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, dorado, and tuna will thrill novice and seasoned fisherman alike.
Pristine reefs teeming with turtles, white-tip sharks, rays, and tropical reef fish offer amazing underwater experiences for year-round diving. From September to mid-November whale sharks and manta rays may also be seen. There are 9 coral dive sites between 5 – 35 meters in depth, each offering a unique ocean perspective.
